Inspection Detail

Inspection: 3011095 - Martin Grading

Inspection Information - Office: Nc Department Of Labor - Raleigh

Investigation Summary

ON JUNE 18, 1986, BETWEEN 10:15 AM AND 11:45 AM, A SELF-EMPLOYED HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (EMPLOYEE #1) WAS ALONE AT THE LAGOON CONSTRUCTION SITE. THE SITE IS LOCATED INSIDE THE THOUSAND TRAILS CAMP GROUND, OFF HIGHWAY 64 NEAR THE DAVIE COUNTY LINE. EMPLOYEE #1 WAS OPERATING A 1973 CATERPILLAR BULLDOZER, WITH A BUCKET ATTACHMENT, TO HAUL ROCK FROM THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE LAGOON TO THE EAST BANK. TRACKS INDICATED THAT THE FRONT OF THE DOZER WAS 3 1/2 TO 4 FEET OVER THE EDGE OF A 45 DEGREE INCLINE WHEN IT LOST TRACTION AND OVERTURNED. THE BULLDOZER ROLLED OVER COMPLETELY TWICE, WITH THE BUCKET RAISED, CRUSHING THE HEAD OF EMPLOYEE #1. THE BULLDOZER LANDED IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION, THEN TRAVELLED FORWARD APPROXIMATELY 60 FEET, STOPPING AT THE SOUTH END OF THE LAGOON. CAUSAL FACTORS WERE: NO ROPS PROVIDED; NO SEAT BELT PROVIDED; AND POOR JUDGEMENT ON THE PART OF THE BULLDOZER OPERATOR REGARDING DRIVING ON STEEP SLOPES WITH A RAISED, LOADED BUCKET.

Keywords: ROLL-OVER, ROPS, CONSTRUCTION, STEEP GRADE, CRUSHED, SEAT BELT, BULLDOZER